David with the Head of Goliath by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, held in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, is a work painted around 1609-1610. The painting depicts the moment immediately after David’s victory over the giant Goliath, as described in the Bible.
David holds Goliath’s severed head by the hair, while the sword bearing the inscription “H-AS OS” (Humilitas Occidit Superbiam) is present in the scene. The light comes from the left, illuminating David’s face and creating a strong chiaroscuro. David is portrayed as a young shepherd, with an expression of compassion rather than triumph. Goliath, by contrast, has a frightened and surprised face. The head of Goliath is considered a self-portrait of Caravaggio, by then ill and weary. This self-portrait symbolises the artist’s contrition for his past sins and his hope of redemption.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper Sheet size: 29 x 42 cm (11.4 x 16.5 in) With frame: 31 x 44 cm (12.2 x 17.3 in) Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
How an Amalfi art print is made, what the frame is like, what museum glass is, how long shipping takes, and how returns work: we’ve gathered all the answers on a single page.
